Judoka Igor Wandtke narrowly misses out on a podium place at the World Championships. Nevertheless, he manages to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris
Judoka Igor Wandtke (Hanover) has managed to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi even without a possible medal.
After his victory in the 73 kg category and fifth place in the final ranking, the 33-year-old former champion can travel to the Summer Games on a team ticket, according to the German Judo Federation (DJB).
Wandtke missed out on a podium finish in his seventh World Championships appearance due to defeats in the semi-final against Mongolian Erdenbayar Batzaya and in the bronze medal match against Swiss defending champion Nils Stump. On his way to the final round, the Lübeck-born fighter had celebrated one of his four victories against Murodjon Juldoschew from Uzbekistan, who had come to the World Championships as third-placed